How to Use Parallettes in Calisthenics to Get Strong

You might have thought that calisthenics, known for its bodyweight mastery and gravity-defying moves, requires no equipment. Well, think again.

Take a quick glance at a gymnast's gym brimming with equipment designed to refine those very skills. It's a clear indicator that to perform the right moves with efficiency and prevent injury, you need the right tools.

Enter parallettes, a simple yet powerful piece of equipment that significantly make your calisthenics training better.

How parallettes makes calisthenics better

Parallettes bring a multitude of benefits to the calisthenics table:

• Prevent wrist strain and injury: Unlike flat ground exercises, parallettes encourage a more natural wrist placement, reducing the risk of strain and injury. This is crucial for long-term training sustainability and for practitioners who may already have wrist issues.

• Deepening the range of motion: Exercises performed on parallettes allow for a deeper range of motion than those done on the ground. This deeper engagement is essential for fully developing muscles and enhancing flexibility.
• Enhancing muscle engagement: By elevating the hands off the ground, parallettes force the body to engage more muscle groups. This not only builds strength but also improves muscle coordination and stability.

• Improving balance and stability: The use of parallettes introduces an element of instability that challenges and thus improves your balance. This is particularly beneficial for core strengthening and the development of proprioceptive abilities.

• Enabling progression to advanced movements: For those looking to progress to more advanced calisthenics moves, parallettes offer a step-up. They serve as a training tool to master movements such as handstands, L-sits, and planches, which require elevated hand positioning.

How to use parallettes in your calisthenics routine

Parallettes transform calisthenics. They change how you do push-ups, L-sits, and handstands. Here's how to use them.

Push-ups with parallettes

Push-ups bar is another famous name for parallettes, for the obvious reason.

Normal push-ups press palms into the ground. With parallettes, you grip them instead. Your wrists stay straight, facing down. This setup lifts your body higher than normal. It's good for your chest because you can go deeper.

Using tall parallettes, like Grav Parallettes Prime, changes the angle. Your body is higher, making push-ups less intense. To fix this, elevate your feet. Use a box at the height of the parallettes for a regular challenge. For a harder push-up, raise your feet above the parallettes.

L-Sits with parallettes

L-sits on parallettes are easier to start. The extra height off the ground helps. You lift your legs into the L-shape easier. It works your core and hip flexors more. You can focus on form and build up how long you hold the position.

Handstands with parallettes

Handstands on parallettes are tougher than on the ground. They need more wrist strength and stability. Start against a wall to get used to it. Then, try without the wall. Parallettes build shoulder stability and core strength in handstands.

Tuck Planche with parallettes

Tuck planche on parallettes advances core, arm, and balance work. Start in a push-up position, lean forward, and lift your feet, keeping arms straight. Parallettes elevate the body, enhancing balance and stability challenges, transforming how you train for this skill.

Introducing Grav Parallettes: Prime, Range, and Edge

Grav Parallettes come in three distinct models, each designed with a specific purpose in mind, catering to different aspects of calisthenics training.

Grav Parallettes Prime offers unparalleled versatility. Constructed with durable birch wood handles and a robust steel base, it boasts a weight capacity of up to 3700lb, making it an ideal choice for those who engage in intensive training sessions.

Grav Parallettes Range emphasizes stability with its extended length and wider stance. It's crafted to provide a solid foundation for balance-intensive exercises, equipped straight out of the box for those who prioritize stability in their movements.

Grav Parallettes Edge focuses on portability and compact design. Lightweight and easy to carry, it is perfectly suited for athletes who need their equipment to be as mobile as they are, offering convenience without sacrificing functionality.

Each model comes with a promise of durability, a lifetime warranty, and the convenience of free shipping, ensuring that every athlete finds their perfect training partner in Grav Parallettes.

Choosing the right Grav Parallettes for your training needs

Pick the right Grav Parallettes based on space, goals, and how you like to train.

Prime suits a wide range of exercises, from easy to challenging. It's versatile and can handle a lot of weight. Choose this if you engage in various workouts and need one tool for everything. It also provides the largest range of motion due to its higher height.

Edge is best if you're short on space or travel frequently. It's small and easy to carry, fitting easily into a typical backpack. Perfect for maintaining your training routine anywhere.

Range is designed for those who require steady support for balance exercises. Its long base ensures stability. It's excellent for fine-tuning your technique, particularly for exercises that demand significant balance, such as handstands.

Why wood and metal? Understanding Grav Parallettes design

Grav Parallettes mix wood and metal for a simple reason: better workouts. Here's a closer look at why this combo works best.

Wooden handles offer superior grip and comfort

Wood beats plastic and metal for handles. It's all about the grip. When you sweat, wood handles keep you from slipping. They also feel nicer. Metal can get too cold or too hot, and plastic might break when you push hard. Wood stays steady and feels just right in your hands.

Metal frame provides strength and stability

The metal base keeps everything stable. It's tough and can handle a lot of weight without moving. Unlike full metal parallettes that can be too heavy and hard to move, the metal frame here is just right. It gives you the strength you need without the extra weight.

The advantages of wood and metal over plastic or all metal

Plastic parallettes aren't as durable. Over time, they can weaken and may eventually break, posing a risk during exercises like handstands—precisely what you want to avoid.

On the other hand, all-metal parallettes, while strong, come with their own set of drawbacks. They're heavy, making them less portable and more challenging to maneuver. Additionally, the grip on metal parallettes can become problematic, especially with sweaty hands, reducing stability and safety. Metal also conducts temperature, making it uncomfortably cold or hot in extreme weather.

That's precisely why Grav Parallettes opt for wood for grip and metal for strength, combining the best of both worlds for durability, comfort, and performance.

Maintaining your parallettes

To ensure your Grav Parallettes remain in top condition, a little maintenance goes a long way. Regular inspections for any signs of wear or damage are crucial to guarantee safety during your workouts. Cleaning your parallettes after each session will keep them in pristine condition, ready for your next workout; a simple wipe with a mild cleaner and a soft cloth will do. Proper storage is equally important. Keep your parallettes in a dry environment to avoid damage from moisture and extreme temperatures.

Final thought

Parallettes significantly make calisthenics more fun by improving wrist health, increasing range of motion, boosting muscle engagement, and advancing balance and stability. Grav Parallettes cater to various training needs, making them a valuable addition to any workout routine for those aiming to build strength and master complex exercises.